"I'd be honored to..."

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  There is a group of individuals here whose standards of conduct and professionalism are held to the highest standards, the Tyndall Air Force Base Honor Guard.

The primary mission of the Tyndall Honor Guard is to provide ceremonial funeral honors for all active-duty members, veterans and retirees of the Air Force and Army Air Corps.

"When we provide the final honors for one of our fallen servicemen it helps give their families a sense of closure and something that they will remember their loved ones by," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Johnston, Honor Guard A flight sergeant.

Tyndall's area of responsibility for funeral requests includes Alabama, Georgia and Florida counties, all of which comprise a tri-state area of 11,000 square miles.

A wide variety of base and community functions are also supported by the Honor Guard, to include, but not limited to, change-of-commands, retirement ceremonies, community parades and weddings. They also visit elementary schools and both cub and boy scouts to teach proper flag etiquette.

"Tyndall's Elite Honor Guard is always looking for individuals with high-military bearing and a professional image to represent the 325th Fighter Wing in this congressionally mandated and prestigious program," said Tech. Sgt. Jeff Pabalan, 325th Force Support Squadron Tyndall Honor Guard NCO-in-charge.

Not only do Airmen get to represent every member of the U.S. Air Force and develop a great sense of pride, but they will also walk away with many benefits. Joining the Honor Guard will offer leadership opportunities, community service, military training, travel opportunities and base-wide recognition.

Currently, there are 58 members on Tyndall's Honor guard, which is broken down into four flights. Each flight has 12 to 14 members and each flight rotates weekly. Their contract binds the Airmen to the Honor Guard for 13 months.

"I am (currently) on my fourth contract with the Honor Guard," said Senior Airman Matthew Hooke, Honor Guard D Flight Sergeant. "And this is the most rewarding thing I've done next to my tour in Iraq."

The Honor Guard Charge reads:
· Handpicked to serve as a member of the Tyndall Honor Guard, my standards of conduct and level of professionalism must be above reproach, for I represent all others in my service.
· Others earned the right for me to wear the ceremonial uniform, one that is honored in rich tradition and history. I will honor their memory by wearing it properly and proudly.
· Never will I allow my performance to be dictated by the type of ceremony, severity of the temperature, or size of the crowd. I will remain superbly conditioned to perfect all movements throughout every drill and ceremony.
· Obligated by my oath I am constantly driven to excel by a deep devotion to duty and a strong sense of dedication.
· Representing every member, past and present, of the United States Air Force, I vow to stand sharp, crisp, and motionless, for I am a ceremonial guardsman.

"We have only one chance to get it right, there are no second chances to do a funeral ceremony," said Sergeant Pabalan. "Our performance leaves an everlasting impression about the Air Force on the family and friends."

Individuals interested in joining can volunteer using their chain-of-command or be hand-picked by their leadership. Individuals can also contact Tech. Sgt. Jeff Pabalan or Senior Airman Claribel Torres at 283-4405/9516 or visit the Honor Guard facility, Bldg. 1015.